MARIAN SHRINES SITES

FATIMA

One hundred years ago, Our Lady appeared repeatedly to three young shepherd children, delivering messages and sharing three “secrets.” Thousands–both believers and skeptics–witnessed the dancing sun.

Covadonga

In 722 the Moorish invasion of Spain had pushed the small, Christian resistance into northwest Spain. Hiding in the caves of Covadonga, the resistance sought the intercession of the Virgin Mary. They credited their miraculous triumph to Our Lady’s intercession.

Zaragoza

Disheartened with his mission and lack of converts in the pagan lands of Hispania, the disciple James prayed by the banks of the Ebro River. Mary appeared before him atop a pillar and assured him that his work would bear fruit. The pillar still stands in the church today.

Montserrat

Blackened by candles that burned before it day and night, this statue became known as the “Black Madonna” and dates to at least the twelfth century. Millions have scaled the mountains to pray before the Black Madonna of Montserrat, seeking miracles of their own.

Lourdes

In 1858 little Bernadette Soubirous was collecting firewood when “a woman dressed in white” appeared to her for the first of several times. During one of the visits, the woman asked Bernadette to dig into the ground and drink from the waters that would spring up. That spring still flows today and is a source of physical and spiritual healing. To date, 67 miracles have officially been reported, but pilgrims will tell you that the number of unreported miracles is far greater.

Garabandal

Though not yet an approved apparition, St. John Paul II, St. Theresa of Calcutta, and St. Padre Pio professed in their private writings that they believed Mary had truly appeared to four schoolgirls in this tiny town in Spain.

“All the sites were so beautiful! I loved walking around Lourdes and seeing it’s natural beauty, the beautiful churches and people of Loyola, Avila, Segovia, and Burgos, and getting to venerate Our Lady at Fatima…”
-Arianna J. Marian Shrines Pilgrim

“I loved every day, every hour, and every minute. It was an awesome experience that I will never forget.”
-Stephanie H. Marian Shrines Pilgrim

“All of Lourdes was simply amazing, but especially the baths. Entering into the water is a moment I’ll remember with clarity all my life.”
-Natalie M. Marian Shrines Pilgrim

“Everything… from the food to the tours. I loved the pilgrimage it was truly amazing.”
-Hannah H. Marian Shrines Pilgrim

“When I caught sight of the Shrine at Fatima, I was overwhelmed by the size of it, and I was amazed at the profound reverential silence of the many hundreds of pilgrims gathered together.”
-Duane O. Marian Shrines Pilgrim

“It was wonderful to have time to be where our Lady from heaven had touched earth.”
-Karen O. Marian Shrines Pilgrim

“Just knowing that I was in the same place where the Virgin Mary appeared made me feel so at peace.”
-Janice G. Marian Shrines Pilgrim

“I loved our quiet time as a couple to go visit the Fatima statue and pray at the original apparition site before the crowds started to gather, and the pasture where the Angel of Peace came to the children.”
-Constance C. Marian Shrines Pilgrim

“Every stop was awesome, but I was most impressed with Lourdes. My favorite moment was Mass at the Grotto of Massabielle, it was more spiritual than I ever imagined.”
-Diane B. Marian Shrines Pilgrim

“Being in Lourdes, experiencing the sacredness and hope of all the people. The kindness of the women at the baths. The joy of sharing the whole trip with my parish friends and meeting some new people.”
-Margaret G. Marian Shrines Pilgrim